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Bell Time Series #1
Bell Time
Jen is a creative, fun-loving English teacher who collects quirky cat posters. When Michael joins the department, it looks like this arrogant, ambitious hotshot might become her new boss. Jen decides to apply for the promotion, and finds herself running a school trip, struggling to control an unruly boys' class, and trying desperately to ignore the growing attraction between her and Michael. Love wasn't on the lesson plan, but if she can just get through an impromptu inspection, the job interview, and force the chauvinist Head to recognise her existence, then she can see if there might be a future for her and Michael outside of the classroom...
297 pages, Kindle Edition
Published June 6, 2023
26 people are currently reading
238 people want to read
About the author
Sophie Toovey
10 books84 followersSophie Toovey loves reading and writing romance. She's an English teacher who drinks too much tea, and a total Jane Austen geek. She lives in Wales, in the UK, and enjoys smart romcoms where there's a bit of grit and realism. She writes clean, closed door romance with kisses only. Sign up for her newsletter at https://sophietoovey.com and receive a free ebook of I Want You Back, a contemporary retelling of Persuasion. If you follow Sophie on BookBub and Amazon, you'll get notified whenever she has a new release. Go to https://www.bookbub.com/profile/sophi... and to https://shorturl.at/7Hygj to follow her.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 55 reviews
September 15, 2024
As a retired teacher myself, I found this to be a very well written story about life in education. The trials and tribulations of bureaucracy outside of the classroom and struggling (either behaviorally or academically) students inside it. And the joys of teaching when you finally see real results. Add to this a sweet romance between two teachers and it made for a pleasant read. Two objections to the book: 1) the MMC did not like dogs, and 2) the FMC cried too much.
July 17, 2023
I really enjoyed this story! It was a nice mix of a teacher romance with a bit of a To Sir With Love vibe as it dealt with teachers working in a struggling school, and their efforts to make a difference in the lives of the students. The challenges and rewards of teaching in that kind of environment felt very authentic and fascinating to me.
Jen and Michael are definitely opposites. He falls first and their growing attraction and romance was very sweet. The story is well paced and plotted, with some interesting twists and a very satisfying ending. It was a pleasure to read!
Many thanks to the author for a copy. All opinions are my own.
Jen and Michael are definitely opposites. He falls first and their growing attraction and romance was very sweet. The story is well paced and plotted, with some interesting twists and a very satisfying ending. It was a pleasure to read!
Many thanks to the author for a copy. All opinions are my own.
May 17, 2023
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
- 𝐸𝑛𝑒𝑚𝑖𝑒𝑠 𝑡𝑜 𝑙𝑜𝑣𝑒𝑟𝑠
- 𝑊𝑜𝑟𝑘𝑝𝑙𝑎𝑐𝑒 𝑟𝑜𝑚𝑎𝑛𝑐𝑒
- 𝑆𝑚𝑎𝑙𝑙 𝐵𝑟𝑖𝑡𝑖𝑠ℎ 𝑡𝑜𝑤𝑛
Bell time follows Jen a teacher in a struggling school and Michael who has been sent to the school to try and help fix it and stop it from closing down. Jen takes a dislike to the arrogant, ambitious hotshot from the start so when he is first in line for the new job as head Jen decides she can't let this happen and applies for the promotion herself. But when feelings start to enter the mix she can't ignore them. She just needs to deal with the looming inspection, class trip, the chauvinist Head and the interview before she can see if there is a future for her and Michael outside of the classroom.
I absolutely adored this book, it is a beautiful, romantic and hilarious read and I was hooked right from the start. It's fast paced with plenty of twists and turns along the way with not a boring moment in sight! I loved the one liners and witty banter throughout and I found myself laughing out loud so many times. Bell time is so well written and the way sophie describes everything is so vivid, I felt like I was actually there!
I fell in love with the main character Jen. She is a feisty quirky heroine who has a huge passion for teaching and who has been through alot. She is a really relatable character and I felt a strong connection to her from start to finish.
I also thoroughly enjoyed the build up between Jen and Michael...so much tension! I loved their connection, they are truly perfect for each other.
I was so pleased when I got to the end to discover there is a sequel coming in November! I can't wait to read it to find out what happens next.
𝑇ℎ𝑎𝑛𝑘 𝑦𝑜𝑢 𝑡𝑜 𝑆𝑜𝑝ℎ𝑖𝑒 𝑓𝑜𝑟 𝑔𝑖𝑣𝑖𝑛𝑔 𝑚𝑒 𝑡ℎ𝑒 𝑜𝑝𝑝𝑜𝑟𝑡𝑢𝑛𝑖𝑡𝑦 𝑡𝑜 ℎ𝑎𝑣𝑒 𝑎𝑛 𝐴𝑅𝐶 𝑜𝑓 𝑏𝑒𝑙𝑙 𝑡𝑖𝑚𝑒 𝑎𝑛𝑑 𝑟𝑒𝑎𝑑 𝑡ℎ𝑒 𝑏𝑜𝑜𝑘 𝑏𝑒𝑓𝑜𝑟𝑒 𝑖𝑡 𝑖𝑠 𝑟𝑒𝑙𝑒𝑎𝑠𝑒𝑑 💛
- 𝐸𝑛𝑒𝑚𝑖𝑒𝑠 𝑡𝑜 𝑙𝑜𝑣𝑒𝑟𝑠
- 𝑊𝑜𝑟𝑘𝑝𝑙𝑎𝑐𝑒 𝑟𝑜𝑚𝑎𝑛𝑐𝑒
- 𝑆𝑚𝑎𝑙𝑙 𝐵𝑟𝑖𝑡𝑖𝑠ℎ 𝑡𝑜𝑤𝑛
Bell time follows Jen a teacher in a struggling school and Michael who has been sent to the school to try and help fix it and stop it from closing down. Jen takes a dislike to the arrogant, ambitious hotshot from the start so when he is first in line for the new job as head Jen decides she can't let this happen and applies for the promotion herself. But when feelings start to enter the mix she can't ignore them. She just needs to deal with the looming inspection, class trip, the chauvinist Head and the interview before she can see if there is a future for her and Michael outside of the classroom.
I absolutely adored this book, it is a beautiful, romantic and hilarious read and I was hooked right from the start. It's fast paced with plenty of twists and turns along the way with not a boring moment in sight! I loved the one liners and witty banter throughout and I found myself laughing out loud so many times. Bell time is so well written and the way sophie describes everything is so vivid, I felt like I was actually there!
I fell in love with the main character Jen. She is a feisty quirky heroine who has a huge passion for teaching and who has been through alot. She is a really relatable character and I felt a strong connection to her from start to finish.
I also thoroughly enjoyed the build up between Jen and Michael...so much tension! I loved their connection, they are truly perfect for each other.
I was so pleased when I got to the end to discover there is a sequel coming in November! I can't wait to read it to find out what happens next.
𝑇ℎ𝑎𝑛𝑘 𝑦𝑜𝑢 𝑡𝑜 𝑆𝑜𝑝ℎ𝑖𝑒 𝑓𝑜𝑟 𝑔𝑖𝑣𝑖𝑛𝑔 𝑚𝑒 𝑡ℎ𝑒 𝑜𝑝𝑝𝑜𝑟𝑡𝑢𝑛𝑖𝑡𝑦 𝑡𝑜 ℎ𝑎𝑣𝑒 𝑎𝑛 𝐴𝑅𝐶 𝑜𝑓 𝑏𝑒𝑙𝑙 𝑡𝑖𝑚𝑒 𝑎𝑛𝑑 𝑟𝑒𝑎𝑑 𝑡ℎ𝑒 𝑏𝑜𝑜𝑘 𝑏𝑒𝑓𝑜𝑟𝑒 𝑖𝑡 𝑖𝑠 𝑟𝑒𝑙𝑒𝑎𝑠𝑒𝑑 💛
June 7, 2024
This was a delightful read with tropes including workplace romance, he falls first, rivals to lovers, slow burn and grumpy/ sunshine. An additional bonus is that it takes place in England at a school. Two teachers meet the first day of term, end up applying for the same job amidst their growing attraction. There are some bumps along the way with this sweet and engaging romance. I loved how much I felt I got to know the characters and feel connected to them, and I could picture their trip to the Cotswolds. Easily a book I’d recommend
September 1, 2024
teacher romance
Great little story with a super sweet teacher couple. Nice and clean romance you can share with your daughter. Really enjoyed getting to know these characters.
Great little story with a super sweet teacher couple. Nice and clean romance you can share with your daughter. Really enjoyed getting to know these characters.
June 4, 2024
This was my first from Ms. Toovey and it was so fun! I am excited to read more from her. This contemporary romance set in a struggling school is full of heart!
I immediately liked Jen. She was so earnest and genuine. I loved her heart for those she taught and the way she fought for her passions. The story is in her POV and really showcases the development of her understanding herself and her future. She was a bit stuck in her role as a teacher within the difficult environment. She felt the impact of other’s expectations and even her own desire to overcome them. She was so vibrant and passionate. I loved seeing her relationship with her sister! It felt really real. I also enjoyed seeing the growth of her relationships with her family.
The enemies-to-lovers was definitely a part of this story! We get to learn about Michael slowly as Jen does and it is so fun to see his personality and intentions be revealed. I don’t want to spoil anything but I love the he-falls-first elements that come in! They are so different from one another and it allowed them to push each other and complement one another.
It took me a little bit to get into the story, but a few chapters in and I was hooked. I loved the growth of the characters and the story of the school as well. It is a contemporary romance with some innuendos and only kissing.
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from the author. All views expressed are only my honest opinion, I was not required to write a positive review.
I immediately liked Jen. She was so earnest and genuine. I loved her heart for those she taught and the way she fought for her passions. The story is in her POV and really showcases the development of her understanding herself and her future. She was a bit stuck in her role as a teacher within the difficult environment. She felt the impact of other’s expectations and even her own desire to overcome them. She was so vibrant and passionate. I loved seeing her relationship with her sister! It felt really real. I also enjoyed seeing the growth of her relationships with her family.
The enemies-to-lovers was definitely a part of this story! We get to learn about Michael slowly as Jen does and it is so fun to see his personality and intentions be revealed. I don’t want to spoil anything but I love the he-falls-first elements that come in! They are so different from one another and it allowed them to push each other and complement one another.
It took me a little bit to get into the story, but a few chapters in and I was hooked. I loved the growth of the characters and the story of the school as well. It is a contemporary romance with some innuendos and only kissing.
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from the author. All views expressed are only my honest opinion, I was not required to write a positive review.
June 2, 2024
It took me a bit by surprise that Bell Time was way more serious than I expected but I have to say I liked it a lot. I guess because of the color- and joyful cover I somehow thought it was a romcom, but it’s not. At least the main mood of the book didn’t scream comedy to me despite its many humorous situations.
The book follows Jen, a young teacher working at a struggling school with a lot of problems concerning pupils, staff, finances, … and even though Jen ultimately dreams about being a writer, she loves her job and she loves her pupils.
There is also a lot of personal stuff going on and when a new Head is placed at the school, Michael, a new colleague who came with this new Head and is like Jen an English teacher, becomes her competition for a promotion Jen originally never wanted.
This is a great example of opposites attract, enemies to lovers slow burn romance (even though the romance started earlier than I anticipated) and I thought their relationship and love story was very sweet. Jen was sometimes a bit more snarky than necessary, but she obviously felt threatened by Michael who she couldn’t read very well in the beginning. I think Michael was a lovely character and he complemented Jen in her quirky, sometimes impulsive but also self conscious ways perfectly.
Bell Time definitely has its funny moments, I loved the banter between Jen and Michael and it made me smile and even laugh out loud at times, but since Jen is struggling with her students, her place and worth in the school, her relationship with her father, anger alongside grief, her own visions for her future and the growing attraction towards Michael, the overall feeling I got was a bit more serious and tense and I could feel the pressure Jen was under.
I worked as an elementary teacher before I became a stay at home mom and I dealt with a lot of problems that Jen is faced with. Obviously not the exact same ones because my pupils were 6 to 11 and I worked in a different country, but I could still relate to Jen and also to Michael a lot and appreciated how these school and education related issues were presented.
I enjoyed this book a lot, I think it was a great mix between serious topics, sweet romance and hilarious moments so it felt very real without getting too dark or emotionally draining. Definitely recommend it and already put the sequel Wedding Bell Time on my TBR!
* Thank you to the author for letting me read an advanced copy of this book. I leave this review voluntarily and the expressed opinions are my own.
The book follows Jen, a young teacher working at a struggling school with a lot of problems concerning pupils, staff, finances, … and even though Jen ultimately dreams about being a writer, she loves her job and she loves her pupils.
There is also a lot of personal stuff going on and when a new Head is placed at the school, Michael, a new colleague who came with this new Head and is like Jen an English teacher, becomes her competition for a promotion Jen originally never wanted.
This is a great example of opposites attract, enemies to lovers slow burn romance (even though the romance started earlier than I anticipated) and I thought their relationship and love story was very sweet. Jen was sometimes a bit more snarky than necessary, but she obviously felt threatened by Michael who she couldn’t read very well in the beginning. I think Michael was a lovely character and he complemented Jen in her quirky, sometimes impulsive but also self conscious ways perfectly.
Bell Time definitely has its funny moments, I loved the banter between Jen and Michael and it made me smile and even laugh out loud at times, but since Jen is struggling with her students, her place and worth in the school, her relationship with her father, anger alongside grief, her own visions for her future and the growing attraction towards Michael, the overall feeling I got was a bit more serious and tense and I could feel the pressure Jen was under.
I worked as an elementary teacher before I became a stay at home mom and I dealt with a lot of problems that Jen is faced with. Obviously not the exact same ones because my pupils were 6 to 11 and I worked in a different country, but I could still relate to Jen and also to Michael a lot and appreciated how these school and education related issues were presented.
I enjoyed this book a lot, I think it was a great mix between serious topics, sweet romance and hilarious moments so it felt very real without getting too dark or emotionally draining. Definitely recommend it and already put the sequel Wedding Bell Time on my TBR!
* Thank you to the author for letting me read an advanced copy of this book. I leave this review voluntarily and the expressed opinions are my own.
June 5, 2024
“When I’m with you, you make me feel like a different person.”
Jen is a creative, fun-loving English teacher who collects quirky cat posters. When Michael joins the department, it looks like this arrogant, ambitious hotshot might become her new boss. Jen decides to apply for the promotion, and finds herself running a school trip, struggling to control an unruly boys’ class, and trying desperately to ignore the growing attraction between her and Michael. Love wasn’t on the lesson plan, but if she can just get through an impromptu inspection, the job interview, and force the chauvinist Head to recognise her existence, then she can see if there might be a future for her and Michael outside of the classroom...
“Just make sure you’re not so busy that you can’t enjoy life with the people who matter the most to you.”
@sophie_toovey this was a fun story set in Britain and written with Britain references and grammar. With a teaching background, the classroom setting has a special place in my heart, so the great challenges and wonderful rewards of teaching in this kind of environment felt very real and hooked my full attention. I felt your characters Jen and Michael, were definitely opposites. Seeing who fell first and their growing attraction and romance was delightful. I enjoyed the banter and humor weaved into this story. I felt this story has a well paced plot with some unexpected and surprising twists with a solid great ending. This is a fun, entertaining, fast-paced nice story!
“You know, this was never about me rescuing you, it was always about you rescuing me.”
•Content: some mild language, harassment, parent abandonment/death/grief, toxic boss, favoritism, stealing.
#belltime
#sophietoovey
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from the author. All views expressed are only my honest opinion.
Jen is a creative, fun-loving English teacher who collects quirky cat posters. When Michael joins the department, it looks like this arrogant, ambitious hotshot might become her new boss. Jen decides to apply for the promotion, and finds herself running a school trip, struggling to control an unruly boys’ class, and trying desperately to ignore the growing attraction between her and Michael. Love wasn’t on the lesson plan, but if she can just get through an impromptu inspection, the job interview, and force the chauvinist Head to recognise her existence, then she can see if there might be a future for her and Michael outside of the classroom...
“Just make sure you’re not so busy that you can’t enjoy life with the people who matter the most to you.”
@sophie_toovey this was a fun story set in Britain and written with Britain references and grammar. With a teaching background, the classroom setting has a special place in my heart, so the great challenges and wonderful rewards of teaching in this kind of environment felt very real and hooked my full attention. I felt your characters Jen and Michael, were definitely opposites. Seeing who fell first and their growing attraction and romance was delightful. I enjoyed the banter and humor weaved into this story. I felt this story has a well paced plot with some unexpected and surprising twists with a solid great ending. This is a fun, entertaining, fast-paced nice story!
“You know, this was never about me rescuing you, it was always about you rescuing me.”
•Content: some mild language, harassment, parent abandonment/death/grief, toxic boss, favoritism, stealing.
#belltime
#sophietoovey
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from the author. All views expressed are only my honest opinion.
June 12, 2024
ARC review/book recommendation🏫🍍:
Bell Time by @Sophie Toovey
Ratings: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Topics throughout the book are:
🏫 Enemies to Lovers
🍍 workplace romance
🏫 British small town setting
🍍 witty banter
🏫 teachers in a struggling school
🍍 a kisses-only, clean romance with sizzling chemistry
🏫 childhood grief
Summary🏫🍍:
« You know Jen, this was never about me rescuing you,… It was always about you rescuing me''. Jen is an English teacher at Whidlock County School, who is also inspiring to be a writer. It’s the start of a new year, and the school is struggling with the threat of being closed. The governor decided to hire a new Head of School, named David Clark, to help restructure and rebuild the reputation of the school, which brings a job opportunity for a new Head of Department. David doesn’t come alone, he brings in the best teachers which includes Michael Chase, a bore of a human, who is also an English teacher. Will the Head get in the way of Jen getting a promotion? Will Jen and Michael's rivalry become something more? Is the stress of it all tearing Jen apart? Read to find out!
Many thanks to Sophie Toovey for providing me the opportunity to read this ARC in exchange for my honest review! This is my first book by Sophie Toovey that I’ve read and I was engaged from the start. The trope is a small town, workplace romance, enemies to lovers with lots of chemistry, banter, a bit of mystery and feels like a true rom-com. Sophie’s writing is light, easy to read and gives you a connection with the characters! What I liked most about this book is when the main female character is struggling, she never gives up on herself even when times get tough. If you want an easy, feel-good rom-com style story, then please pick up a copy of this book!
Bell Time by @Sophie Toovey
Ratings: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Topics throughout the book are:
🏫 Enemies to Lovers
🍍 workplace romance
🏫 British small town setting
🍍 witty banter
🏫 teachers in a struggling school
🍍 a kisses-only, clean romance with sizzling chemistry
🏫 childhood grief
Summary🏫🍍:
« You know Jen, this was never about me rescuing you,… It was always about you rescuing me''. Jen is an English teacher at Whidlock County School, who is also inspiring to be a writer. It’s the start of a new year, and the school is struggling with the threat of being closed. The governor decided to hire a new Head of School, named David Clark, to help restructure and rebuild the reputation of the school, which brings a job opportunity for a new Head of Department. David doesn’t come alone, he brings in the best teachers which includes Michael Chase, a bore of a human, who is also an English teacher. Will the Head get in the way of Jen getting a promotion? Will Jen and Michael's rivalry become something more? Is the stress of it all tearing Jen apart? Read to find out!
Many thanks to Sophie Toovey for providing me the opportunity to read this ARC in exchange for my honest review! This is my first book by Sophie Toovey that I’ve read and I was engaged from the start. The trope is a small town, workplace romance, enemies to lovers with lots of chemistry, banter, a bit of mystery and feels like a true rom-com. Sophie’s writing is light, easy to read and gives you a connection with the characters! What I liked most about this book is when the main female character is struggling, she never gives up on herself even when times get tough. If you want an easy, feel-good rom-com style story, then please pick up a copy of this book!
May 7, 2023
Jennifer "Jen" Baker is a hard-working, intelligent, and cheerful English teacher at a school that is in danger of being shut down. A group of teachers from an outside company is brought into the school to revitalize this particular school, including Michael, a fellow English teacher in her department. A new Department Head is being hired, and Michael seems to be the first in line for the job. Not if Jen has anything to say about it. She decides to apply and continue to prove her worth as an asset to the school by handling a rowdy class and planning a trip. Her disdain for Michael starts to turn into something different, and she can't ignore it. How does she navigate her feelings for Michael while vying for one of the most important spots in her department?
I was interested in Jen's story from the beginning and how she and Michael would eventually catch feelings for each other. I also liked Jen's character development throughout the story. Jen seemed like she was tough, but didn't really exude this for the majority of the book. However, it seems like she found her voice towards the end for the sake of herself and her students, which was refreshing.
I also liked how the author showed how difficult working as a teacher can be, no matter where in the world the teacher is employed. I live in the United States, and this story takes place in England. Although it was tough at times to follow how the education system works in Great Britain, the themes surrounding the struggles teachers face in their jobs are pretty universal.
If you are looking for a stimulating read about budding love, this is the book for you!
I was interested in Jen's story from the beginning and how she and Michael would eventually catch feelings for each other. I also liked Jen's character development throughout the story. Jen seemed like she was tough, but didn't really exude this for the majority of the book. However, it seems like she found her voice towards the end for the sake of herself and her students, which was refreshing.
I also liked how the author showed how difficult working as a teacher can be, no matter where in the world the teacher is employed. I live in the United States, and this story takes place in England. Although it was tough at times to follow how the education system works in Great Britain, the themes surrounding the struggles teachers face in their jobs are pretty universal.
If you are looking for a stimulating read about budding love, this is the book for you!
June 7, 2023
If you're looking for a fun workplace/teacher romance, Bell Time is one to check out!
In this story, we meet Jen and Michael. They are teachers at a struggling school who don't see eye to eye on all matters of education. This leads to some great banter and competition early on in the story and offers a fun enemy to lovers as the story goes on. Whether they were fighting one another or coming together, I really enjoyed the slow-burn relationship between these two.
The author is a teacher herself, which I think shines through in this story. There is definitely a sense of not just knowledge about the profession, but also a passion for it too, which made the story that much more genuine and enjoyable. I've only read a handful of teacher romances, but I enjoyed this little behind-the-scenes look at the politics of it all. Again, it just added a great layer to an already enjoyable story.
Bell Time is a closed-door romance, with nothing beyond kissing. There was some language, but it was minimal and fairly mild for the most part. One character does use the f-word at one point, and while the intention is clear, it is not fully spelled out on the page either.
Overall, I thought this was a fun read. I look forward to reading more in the series!
**I received an ARC for consideration. All opinions are my own.
In this story, we meet Jen and Michael. They are teachers at a struggling school who don't see eye to eye on all matters of education. This leads to some great banter and competition early on in the story and offers a fun enemy to lovers as the story goes on. Whether they were fighting one another or coming together, I really enjoyed the slow-burn relationship between these two.
The author is a teacher herself, which I think shines through in this story. There is definitely a sense of not just knowledge about the profession, but also a passion for it too, which made the story that much more genuine and enjoyable. I've only read a handful of teacher romances, but I enjoyed this little behind-the-scenes look at the politics of it all. Again, it just added a great layer to an already enjoyable story.
Bell Time is a closed-door romance, with nothing beyond kissing. There was some language, but it was minimal and fairly mild for the most part. One character does use the f-word at one point, and while the intention is clear, it is not fully spelled out on the page either.
Overall, I thought this was a fun read. I look forward to reading more in the series!
**I received an ARC for consideration. All opinions are my own.
July 16, 2023
A very interesting peek into school life
When I first opened this book I didn't quite realize how grounded in it's environment it was going to be.
As a teacher's wife (in a different country and school system) I was fascinated and constantly surprised at the cultural differences evident in the British school system.
A teacher driving their students to see a play in the school's bus? Committees and forms for an internal promotion? And the whole organizational culture were highly detailed and I presume based on the writer's own experience.
Sadly, I felt like the actual romance took a bit of a back seat to the office drama and extensive description of day to day school life.
Jen as a young female teacher came off as slightly immature and made rather poor decisions. On the plus size I loved her quirky outfits and motivational posters.
The choice to highlight her financial situation (not having the income to live somewhere safe), surely speaks to the plight of many teachers and I was disturbed when a threatening situation wasn't dealt with in the workplace.
Instead of enemies-to-lovers I'd suggest "people who don't know each other yet but jump to conclusions based on first impressions"- to lovers.
All in all I think people familiar with the UK school system will enjoy this book and it's unique humor and heart.
When I first opened this book I didn't quite realize how grounded in it's environment it was going to be.
As a teacher's wife (in a different country and school system) I was fascinated and constantly surprised at the cultural differences evident in the British school system.
A teacher driving their students to see a play in the school's bus? Committees and forms for an internal promotion? And the whole organizational culture were highly detailed and I presume based on the writer's own experience.
Sadly, I felt like the actual romance took a bit of a back seat to the office drama and extensive description of day to day school life.
Jen as a young female teacher came off as slightly immature and made rather poor decisions. On the plus size I loved her quirky outfits and motivational posters.
The choice to highlight her financial situation (not having the income to live somewhere safe), surely speaks to the plight of many teachers and I was disturbed when a threatening situation wasn't dealt with in the workplace.
Instead of enemies-to-lovers I'd suggest "people who don't know each other yet but jump to conclusions based on first impressions"- to lovers.
All in all I think people familiar with the UK school system will enjoy this book and it's unique humor and heart.
June 1, 2024
This was such a cute romance! I enjoyed reading Michael and Jen’s story! It is set in Britain and written with Britain references and grammar, so that threw me off at first, but after a few google searches and adjusting, I was able to follow along! The banter was so funny and there were even a few literary references as the characters are English teachers! The tropes are ever present in this story: enemies to lovers, forbidden romance, and office romance. I had so much fun reading this book.
Some of the way that Jen, the main character, interacted/thought about men or Michael bothered me some, which is why I had to choose 4 stars, unfortunately. It leaned toward feminism a little too much for me. There were also a couple uses of a swear word (H*ll), which also is probably just a cultural difference as I know language is different in the UK.
The action in the book kept me on the edge of my seat and it was an exciting read! I wish we got to know the characters, Michael mainly, just a little bit more. But I have already purchased the sequel and excited to continue on Michael and Jen’s journey!
I definitely recommend this book if you want a funny, easy read!
Content Warnings:
Language: Mild (a few uses of H*ll)
Spice: Kissing and appropriate contact only
TW: Sexism, Harrassment, Parent abandonment/death, Toxic Boss
Some of the way that Jen, the main character, interacted/thought about men or Michael bothered me some, which is why I had to choose 4 stars, unfortunately. It leaned toward feminism a little too much for me. There were also a couple uses of a swear word (H*ll), which also is probably just a cultural difference as I know language is different in the UK.
The action in the book kept me on the edge of my seat and it was an exciting read! I wish we got to know the characters, Michael mainly, just a little bit more. But I have already purchased the sequel and excited to continue on Michael and Jen’s journey!
I definitely recommend this book if you want a funny, easy read!
Content Warnings:
Language: Mild (a few uses of H*ll)
Spice: Kissing and appropriate contact only
TW: Sexism, Harrassment, Parent abandonment/death, Toxic Boss
May 17, 2025
This book is one hundred percent accurate for what teaching can be like. It's one of the greatest, and hardest, jobs in the world and Sophie does an amazing job portraying that in this book.
I loved Jen's determination to keep going, despite the bad days, the stress, the difficult students. She was a very strong character in the classroom and I was constantly cheering her on as I read. In addition to this, however, I also loved seeing her grow on a personal level. It felt like she really grew to believe in herself and find some of that work/life balance she had been craving.
I'll admit, I wanted to shake Michael out of his stupidity multiple times. And part of my cheering Jen on was definitely cheering for her to put Michael in his place! All this being said, his character arc was nicely written as well and I enjoyed seeing him...gain some clarity, let's say.
Overall, this was a great story!
TW: If you are a teacher, I strongly suggest NOT reading this book in May, at the end of the school year like I did. Jen goes through a crazy amount of stress in this story and...let's just say it was wayyy too similar to my own stress some days that it was not the relaxing, far removed from my real life, book I probably needed to be reading about now. Still, it was definitely worth the read!
I loved Jen's determination to keep going, despite the bad days, the stress, the difficult students. She was a very strong character in the classroom and I was constantly cheering her on as I read. In addition to this, however, I also loved seeing her grow on a personal level. It felt like she really grew to believe in herself and find some of that work/life balance she had been craving.
I'll admit, I wanted to shake Michael out of his stupidity multiple times. And part of my cheering Jen on was definitely cheering for her to put Michael in his place! All this being said, his character arc was nicely written as well and I enjoyed seeing him...gain some clarity, let's say.
Overall, this was a great story!
TW: If you are a teacher, I strongly suggest NOT reading this book in May, at the end of the school year like I did. Jen goes through a crazy amount of stress in this story and...let's just say it was wayyy too similar to my own stress some days that it was not the relaxing, far removed from my real life, book I probably needed to be reading about now. Still, it was definitely worth the read!
April 29, 2023
This is not normally a genre I would pick up, but I was interested see what the school/teacher setting was like (I used to teach) - and to my joy, I just couldn't put it down!
It's really pacey, quite unpredictable, fresh and witty; dialogue is deft and absorbing. It actually feels authentic, because the setting - school life - is well observed, and while it's amusing there is also a deeper, more subtle layer showing the pressures of modern teaching, and some of the problems for some pupils; I found the character of Tyler, a disaffected, difficult year 11 boy, really compelling; I liked how the relationship between Jen and this boy developed and changed, quite unexpectedly.
There is a lovely balance between the more kooky, fun elements of Jen's character and her ongoing struggle to come to terms with battling a system which, even today, favours white, middle class men.
I was dismayed that Jen seemed to wedge herself between a rock and a hard place, as steady conflict arises between her feelings and ambitions...but then I really couldn't have predicted the outcome which I thought was superbly crafted.
A delight! And something I could read again.
It's really pacey, quite unpredictable, fresh and witty; dialogue is deft and absorbing. It actually feels authentic, because the setting - school life - is well observed, and while it's amusing there is also a deeper, more subtle layer showing the pressures of modern teaching, and some of the problems for some pupils; I found the character of Tyler, a disaffected, difficult year 11 boy, really compelling; I liked how the relationship between Jen and this boy developed and changed, quite unexpectedly.
There is a lovely balance between the more kooky, fun elements of Jen's character and her ongoing struggle to come to terms with battling a system which, even today, favours white, middle class men.
I was dismayed that Jen seemed to wedge herself between a rock and a hard place, as steady conflict arises between her feelings and ambitions...but then I really couldn't have predicted the outcome which I thought was superbly crafted.
A delight! And something I could read again.
June 8, 2024
I recently read “Bell Time” by Sophie Toovey, and I found it to be an interesting story about two British teachers, Michael and Jennifer. As rivals at work, these two start off as enemies, but as the story unfolds, their feelings for each other grow into something more. What I loved most about this book was watching Michael and Jennifer grow and develop as characters. Michael is a bit of a newbie when it comes to relationships, and his journey to learn how to be a good partner is both adorable and frustrating. Meanwhile, Jennifer is kind, honest, and forgiving - she's the perfect balance to Michael's awkwardness.
The story is full of tension and drama, with both internal and external challenges threatening to pull Michael and Jennifer apart. But despite the obstacles, their love for each other shines through. I loved seeing how they navigated their complicated feelings and worked through their issues.
Overall, “Bell Time” is a sweet and relatable romance that explores the ups and downs of love and relationships. If you're looking for a light-hearted, easy read with well-developed characters, this might be the book for you.
The story is full of tension and drama, with both internal and external challenges threatening to pull Michael and Jennifer apart. But despite the obstacles, their love for each other shines through. I loved seeing how they navigated their complicated feelings and worked through their issues.
Overall, “Bell Time” is a sweet and relatable romance that explores the ups and downs of love and relationships. If you're looking for a light-hearted, easy read with well-developed characters, this might be the book for you.
May 22, 2024
- Rivals to lovers
- Small town romance
- Workplace romance
This book was absolutely adorable and just the humorous book I needed to read! I was intrigued by the concept since I am a former teacher. I understood the struggle Jen feels to get the adequate support needed to educate her students.
Jen knows her school is in trouble. Her classroom is even a former hallway! But she loves what she does and longs to make a difference in young lives. Upon returning from summer break, she encounters a very straight laced Michael, who has been sent to the school to try to turn it around. He immediately annoys Jen, who is much more free spirited. This annoyance prompts Jen to apply for the Head teacher position, especially when she finds out Michael also applied!
What follows is such spirited banter and wit that I was done with the book in no time. I felt like I was right there with both of them throughout the story. Just an absolutely brilliant book!
- Small town romance
- Workplace romance
This book was absolutely adorable and just the humorous book I needed to read! I was intrigued by the concept since I am a former teacher. I understood the struggle Jen feels to get the adequate support needed to educate her students.
Jen knows her school is in trouble. Her classroom is even a former hallway! But she loves what she does and longs to make a difference in young lives. Upon returning from summer break, she encounters a very straight laced Michael, who has been sent to the school to try to turn it around. He immediately annoys Jen, who is much more free spirited. This annoyance prompts Jen to apply for the Head teacher position, especially when she finds out Michael also applied!
What follows is such spirited banter and wit that I was done with the book in no time. I felt like I was right there with both of them throughout the story. Just an absolutely brilliant book!
May 30, 2024
For a split second I wasn't sure if this was going to be my kind of book, but oh how it quickly sucked me in, and I enjoyed every second of reading it. Set in a small British town, this delightful workplace romance blossoms and turns from enemies to lovers into so much more.
The teacher aspect of their jobs only adds to the charm of the whole thing. I love the To Sir with Love feel throughout and how Michael and Jen are both able to achieve so much in their own classrooms and together for the school. From the career aspect of the story to the family ties and friends, Toovey keeps the plot moving, interesting and swoony.
I really came to adore this book as I came to love the students, the plot, the character growth and more. Especially the romance. Lovely book if anyone is in a workplace romance mood!
*I received a complimentary copy from the publisher/author and all opinions are my own.
The teacher aspect of their jobs only adds to the charm of the whole thing. I love the To Sir with Love feel throughout and how Michael and Jen are both able to achieve so much in their own classrooms and together for the school. From the career aspect of the story to the family ties and friends, Toovey keeps the plot moving, interesting and swoony.
I really came to adore this book as I came to love the students, the plot, the character growth and more. Especially the romance. Lovely book if anyone is in a workplace romance mood!
*I received a complimentary copy from the publisher/author and all opinions are my own.
June 6, 2023
Bell Time follows the story of Jen and Michael, their witty banters as enemies to beautiful moments as lovers. The plot is simple yet hilarious and entertaining. It explores workplace harassment, romantic relationships, inner conflicts, and chauvinism. The story follows an enemies-to-lovers trope but I wished that the enemy part was more in the story. The transition from enemies to lovers felt a little bit rushed but it was pretty adorable. Jen’s relationship with her father is also well-explored.
The story is told from Jen’s Point of View and it's nice to dive into her mind. Sometimes I wished that Michael’s POV was also given to assess the situation in a better way and make things funnier. The flowy writing style adds a lot to the story with so many literary references, from Shakespeare to Emily Bronte. Discussions about books between Jen and Michael were so heartwarming. Sophie's writing style is super easy to read.
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FULL REVIEW ON BLOG: https://tlostinbooks.wordpress.com/20...
The story is told from Jen’s Point of View and it's nice to dive into her mind. Sometimes I wished that Michael’s POV was also given to assess the situation in a better way and make things funnier. The flowy writing style adds a lot to the story with so many literary references, from Shakespeare to Emily Bronte. Discussions about books between Jen and Michael were so heartwarming. Sophie's writing style is super easy to read.
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FULL REVIEW ON BLOG: https://tlostinbooks.wordpress.com/20...
June 7, 2023
I enjoyed reading this cute clean romance. It was my first time reading a teachers' romance & surprisingly I quite liked it 🤭. The opposite characteristics of the main characters make you curious about the forthcoming storyline. I loved the FMC's outlook on situations and how she overcomes her struggles✨.
The start was a bit slow for me but the end was so cute😭❤. The competition between Jen and Michael for the promotion was interesting and loved the way Jen was so riled up for it while Michael was calm as the sea🤭😂.
The little plot twist towards the end of the book was a nice touch that aroused curiosity as I did not see that coming👀. Moreover, their cute wholesome 'dates' were everything for me😭🥺.
And of course, the banter>>>>✨✨💕
I recommend this book in case you're looking for a cute workplace romance that's a light wholesome read😌💝
The start was a bit slow for me but the end was so cute😭❤. The competition between Jen and Michael for the promotion was interesting and loved the way Jen was so riled up for it while Michael was calm as the sea🤭😂.
The little plot twist towards the end of the book was a nice touch that aroused curiosity as I did not see that coming👀. Moreover, their cute wholesome 'dates' were everything for me😭🥺.
And of course, the banter>>>>✨✨💕
I recommend this book in case you're looking for a cute workplace romance that's a light wholesome read😌💝
June 7, 2023
I personally find romcoms end up being either too cheesy or gimmicky. But here the setting in Bell Time - a struggling state school - feels very authentic (the author is a teacher) and grounds this fantastic enemies-to-lovers story, as well as providing some great laugh out loud moments in the tradition of awkward understated British comedy!
The characters are believable but likable, especially the heroine Jen, whose optimism and energy is infectious. There's some great one-liners, the twists and turns kept me guessing, and (avoiding spoilers!) it all comes to a very satisfying conclusion, without being overly cheesy or happy-ever-after. Plus at the end of the book there's an excerpt teasing the next book in the series - can't wait!
Brilliant read for fans of The Hating Game (Mhari Mcfarlane) etc. Thoroughly recommended!
The characters are believable but likable, especially the heroine Jen, whose optimism and energy is infectious. There's some great one-liners, the twists and turns kept me guessing, and (avoiding spoilers!) it all comes to a very satisfying conclusion, without being overly cheesy or happy-ever-after. Plus at the end of the book there's an excerpt teasing the next book in the series - can't wait!
Brilliant read for fans of The Hating Game (Mhari Mcfarlane) etc. Thoroughly recommended!
June 7, 2024
Kind of a surprise read for me, not one I would have chosen but really enjoyed. Two teachers are at odds on the surface as they may be vying for the same promotion. However, working together to get secondary students excited about English and writing and making their school a better place really brings them in close proximity. Really gets a good look at the extreme sacrifices teachers make for their students and their schools, with a lot of humor about some of the stuff they have to deal with to do so. Took me a bit to reconcile the English school lingo vs American but definitely not a problem, and teaching is universal. Clean romance, some tense moments of fear, drug dealing mentioned, family drama and heartache also a part of the story. Definitely enjoyed and highly recommend. Now I want to find the sequel to find out what happens in the future, though this book ends well.
June 5, 2024
This story followed two teachers Jen and Michael, who are competing for the same promotions at their school, while both trying their best to save the school from possibly closing due to low performance.
I really loved the banter between these two and I felt like I felt their chemistry before they even realized they had any. The hiccup with the bus was hilarious because rarely does a school trip have in issues.
As someone who was once a teacher, a lot of aspects felt very realistic especially when dealing with behavior issues and work place drama. Also I appreciated how the author touch on how sometime it’s not a behavior issue, kids go through things just like adults.
Overall this was my first time reading from this author but it will not be my last
June 11, 2023
A sweet romcom with witty banter, feisty MFC - Jen and dreamy MMC - Michael. 🤩
Jen is a young, passionate and motivated teacher who wants to make a difference! She is easy relatable and I in real life i would like her to be my friend! The tension between her and Michael was built beautifully - I really enjoyed the pace and development of their relationship!
This story hooked me from the first chapters and kept my attention through the whole book with those twists and turns 😉
If you are in search of closed door + enemies to lovers + workplace romance = this book is for you!
I was reading this book as a part of ARC team and this is my honest review.
Jen is a young, passionate and motivated teacher who wants to make a difference! She is easy relatable and I in real life i would like her to be my friend! The tension between her and Michael was built beautifully - I really enjoyed the pace and development of their relationship!
This story hooked me from the first chapters and kept my attention through the whole book with those twists and turns 😉
If you are in search of closed door + enemies to lovers + workplace romance = this book is for you!
I was reading this book as a part of ARC team and this is my honest review.
June 3, 2024
This book starts off very entertaining; I finished the first page with a smile. The entertainment really doesn't stop. I enjoyed this story very much, which honestly surprised me a little. I don't usually like books that tend to get a little political, and here in the States, misogyny and feminism are definitely political. But this one was great!
The reason I'm giving it 4 stars is because of the making-up scene. It felt seriously lacking to me. I mean, the way he left things, and then the explanation? I wasn't ok with that.
Overall, I think this was a great read!
~I was given a complimentary copy of this book. No positive review was required, and all opinions are my own.~
The reason I'm giving it 4 stars is because of the making-up scene. It felt seriously lacking to me. I mean, the way he left things, and then the explanation? I wasn't ok with that.
Overall, I think this was a great read!
~I was given a complimentary copy of this book. No positive review was required, and all opinions are my own.~
June 4, 2024
Thank you @sophie_toovey for the opportunity to read your book and share my review. 🩷
This book hit close to home as I also teach in a school that was once failing and we have gone through so many of the “improvement” pieces that Jen’s school is going through.
I felt deeply endeared to Jen as her and I are very similar in our teaching strategies and philosophies.
This book was so well-written and kept my attention completely. If I’d had more time I would have completed it in a day, honest. Sophie’s details throughout were enough to keep me engaged and not overwhelming and flowery. I would definitely read another!
This book hit close to home as I also teach in a school that was once failing and we have gone through so many of the “improvement” pieces that Jen’s school is going through.
I felt deeply endeared to Jen as her and I are very similar in our teaching strategies and philosophies.
This book was so well-written and kept my attention completely. If I’d had more time I would have completed it in a day, honest. Sophie’s details throughout were enough to keep me engaged and not overwhelming and flowery. I would definitely read another!
July 3, 2025
As a teacher, I was drawn in from the start. This is definitely a novel about teachers written by a teacher, making it authentic and relatable.
“The fact is, no sooner than you “catch up” with your tasks, then something new is happening and you’re already behind again.”
“This is the problem with sitting still. Your thoughts are still racing like Formula One.”
Jen, the FMC, and Michael, the MMC, are opposites and initially enemies. The banter is AMAZING, and I laughed out loud at many points. I highly recommend this enemies to lovers romcom! I had a hard time putting this one down!
“The fact is, no sooner than you “catch up” with your tasks, then something new is happening and you’re already behind again.”
“This is the problem with sitting still. Your thoughts are still racing like Formula One.”
Jen, the FMC, and Michael, the MMC, are opposites and initially enemies. The banter is AMAZING, and I laughed out loud at many points. I highly recommend this enemies to lovers romcom! I had a hard time putting this one down!
May 14, 2023
Bell Time hooked me quickly and didn’t let go. Jen is a compelling layered heroine, a passionate educator grappling with work/life balance, workplace politics and eventually a reluctant attraction to the colleague she’s in competition against for promotion. Bell Time is well-written and well-paced, with vivid details that bring the story to life. The tension between Michael and Jen was palpable, the dialogue sharp and witty. The conflict of the story is original yet realistic and came to a satisfying end. A very enjoyable read.
July 5, 2023
Well this was joyous.
The chemistry between Michael and Jen was super sonic and I loved to see how this developed.
The school setting also really worked for me. Gave me Waterloo Road vibes (in the best possible way.)
There were characters that I loved to hate, and I was rooting for Jen from the off. I am so intrigued by her Alice in Wonderland writing spin off too! Sounds fun.
An overall good read, just can't believe I have to wait til November for the sequel, I am already itching for more of this pair.
The chemistry between Michael and Jen was super sonic and I loved to see how this developed.
The school setting also really worked for me. Gave me Waterloo Road vibes (in the best possible way.)
There were characters that I loved to hate, and I was rooting for Jen from the off. I am so intrigued by her Alice in Wonderland writing spin off too! Sounds fun.
An overall good read, just can't believe I have to wait til November for the sequel, I am already itching for more of this pair.
June 1, 2024
I love books with literary references and this book was delightfully full of them! (I hated Wuthering Heights when I read it a few years ago, but this book helped me to see it in a completely new light and I might even give it a second read in the future.) Though I am not generally a fan of the work place romance, I loved Jen from page one and my interest in her character arc kept me interested in the book all the way through. She was such a well-rounded character and I loved watching her story unfold. Definitely recommend!
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